The King is Dead by Ellery Queen Read Free Book Online Page A

in the Naval Ministry, Señor Bendigo, who is also an ardent yachtsman. There will be no difficulty about the other documents, none whatever, if you will sell me also the eighty-foot Atalanta IV, which has only recently, I believe, come off your ways. Possession of such a prize would make my son Cristoforo a happy young man. At the same purchase price, of course.’
    â€˜You have a nose for bargains, Mr. Minister ,’ said King Bendigo gently.
    â€˜I also keep them, my friend.’
    â€˜Take care of it, Abel.’
    After a moment, they heard a door open and close.
    â€˜And I mean a nose ,’ came King Bendigo’s growl. ‘ How good an investment is that sucker, Abel?’
    â€˜He’s the intellectual strong man of the Zuma régime.’
    â€˜He’d better stay that way! Who’s next?’
    â€˜The E-10 matter.’
    â€˜The mouth-twitcher? I thought that was settled, Abel.’
    â€˜It isn’t?
    â€˜The trouble with the world today is that it has too many little crooks running it under the delusion that they’re big crooks! All they do is shoot the cost of history higher — they don’t change the result a damn. Send him in.’
    There was a lull, and Ellery mumbled, ‘In big stuff they send ’em in direct. I wonder if there’s another elevator to H.R.H.’s office. Bet there is.’
    â€˜Shut up!’ said his father, straining.
    King Bendigo was saying heartily, ‘ Entrez, Monsieur.’
    A buttered voice said something in rapid French, but then, with a foreign accent that was not French and was spread with irony, added in English: ‘ Let us dispense with the amenities. What do you want?’
    â€˜The signed contracts, Monsieur.’
    â€˜I do not have them.’
    â€˜You promised to have them.’
    â€˜That was before you raised your prices, Monsieur Bendigo. I hold the folio of Defence in my country, not of clairvoyance.’
    â€˜Is this your personal decision?’ They heard a drumming sound.
    â€˜No. Of the entire Cabinet.’
    â€˜Are you slipping, Monsieur le Ministre?’
    â€˜I have been unable to persuade my colleagues.’
    â€˜You evidently used the wrong arguments.’
    â€˜You did not provide me with the right ones. Your prices are so high that they would wreck the budget. New taxes are out of the question —’
    The rich voice was frigid. ‘ This is an annoyance. What of your word?’
    The buttery voice slipped. ‘ I must repudiate it. I have no choice. It is too risky. A contract with Bodigen Arms at such a price might unseat us. The Actionist Party —’
    â€˜Let’s be realistic, Mr. Minister ,’ said King Bendigo’s voice suddenly. ‘ We know the influence you exert in the power group of your country. We admit the risks. What is your price to take them?’
    â€˜I wish to terminate this conversation. Please have me flown back.’
    â€˜Damn it all —’
    Abel’s voice said something.
    â€˜What, Abel?’
    The brothers played another counterpoint in murmurs. Then the big voice laughed.
    â€˜Of course. But before you go, Mr. Minister, may I examine that stickpin you’re wearing?’
    â€˜This? ’ The European voice was surprised. ‘ But certainly, Monsieur Bendigo. How could it interest you?’
    â€˜I’m a collector of stickpins. Yours struck my eye at once … Beautiful!’
    â€˜It is merely a reproduction in gold and enamel of our national emblem. I am happy that it strikes your fancy.’
    â€˜Mr. Minister, you know what collectors are — perfect idiots. I must have this pin for my collection.’
    â€˜I shall send you one this week. They are obtainable at numerous shops in the capital.’
    â€˜No, no, I want this one — yours, Monsieur.’
    â€˜I gladly present it to you.’
    â€˜I make it a rule never to accept gifts. Permit me to buy it